Vinculación universidad y sociedad

Editorial

Lesbia Arrocha — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Holistic nursing

Débora Jael Camarera Villarreal, Yolanda Esther Bonilla Castro — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Holistic nursing represents the evolution of care from a basic assistance practice to a scientific and profoundly human discipline, recognizing the individual as an integral unit of body, mind, spirit, and environment. This approach dates back to Florence Nightingale, was consolidated by nursing theorists such as Watson, Rogers, Neuman, and Leininger, and transcends the biomedical model by focusing on complete healing. The objectives of this essay are to explore the evolution of this concept, analyze its theoretical foundations, and highlight principles such as the power of self-healing and the therapeutic relationship. The extension project carried out in the province of Darién, Panama, “Holistic Nursing: An Integral Approach to Care”, allowed its impact to be measured through a descriptive cross-sectional study; at the end, a structured questionnaire was applied, including closed-ended scale questions and open-ended items to collect suggestions. The population consisted of students and faculty members from the Nursing School at CRU Darién, and the sample comprised 33 completed questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and thematic analysis, synthesized into a SWOT framework. The application of this model in contexts of high vulnerability promoted dignity and equity in care. The implementation of active and experiential methodologies strengthened students’ academic training and consolidated the bond between the university and the community. This experience opens necessary spaces for future academic discussions on nursing practice in diverse environments, reaffirming the discipline as a pillar of integral healing.

Successful experiences with the social solidarity economy in Nicaragua

Jilma Romero Arrechavala, Gloria Jeanette Villanueva Núñez, Jarevt Reyes — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in Nicaragua stands out as a model of economic and social development that promotes cooperation, equity and social justice. This article analyzes successful experiences in the framework of the INCUBEPSS Project, which consists of a collaborative project between universities from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica and Nicaragua that started in 2021, with the aim of promoting territorial development through the incubation of enterprises that have a focus on popular, social and solidarity economy. The methodology includes a participatory and inclusive approach, which included diagnosis, followed by consultation workshops, interviews and surveys of cooperative members, mentors, entrepreneurs and local actors. On the basis of this information, areas of intervention were defined, focusing on administrative, technical, financial and commercial management training as well as strengthening collaborative networks. Monitoring and continuous evaluation allowed methodological adjustments that enhanced the results. The implementation of social solidarity economy initiatives in Nicaragua has had a significant impact on the participating communities, which has resulted in an increase in family income, enhancing local productive capacity in an environment of collaboration and social cohesion, Highlighting effective and resilient practices. One of the outstanding experiences is the cooperative Las Diosas, whose producers were able to access more profitable markets, improving employment and financial stability for their families. This case illustrates how SSE can be an effective tool for economic development with social justice in Nicaragua.

Development of a technological platform to support disaster prevention

Nelson Montilla, Denis Elvira Cedeño Moreno, Leovigildo Bósquez — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, are caused by meteorological events and contribute to the erosion of sustainable development. Human intervention, such as uncontrolled population growth and the construction of housing near flood-prone areas, also contributes to disaster situations. In recent years, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has helped the world's population in many aspects of daily life, with the development of computing devices and computer systems that alert authorities when a catastrophic event is approaching. Our objective was to develop an ICT-based platform to provide clear and reliable information to aid in the prevention, response, and mitigation of disasters in the Arraijan district. The methodology used in the development of this project is broadly defined as technology-based, participatory, active, self-directed, and flexible for acquiring knowledge in natural disaster safety through a centralized information system. In general terms, the results of the platform evaluation show that knowledge on the topics of prevention, assistance and mitigation of disasters, such as floods and landslides, has improved among the users targeted by the intervention, given that the terms used throughout the system were easy to remember, among other characteristics.

Educational and professional guidance strategies based on emotional intelligence

Mirineth Magallón Olivardía — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Educational and vocational guidance in Panamanian technical education faces significant challenges in its personal–social dimension, particularly regarding the development of emotional competencies that support students’ decision-making processes and well-being. From this perspective, the aim of the study was to diagnose the needs associated with educational and vocational guidance of ninth-grade students as perceived by guidance counselors, administrative staff, and school administrators, and to outline a proposal linking guidance practices with emotional intelligence. A qualitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted, based on in-depth interviews with guidance counselors, administrative personnel, and school administrators from the Leonila Pinzón de Grimaldo Technical Professional Institute (Penonomé) and the Aguadulce Technical and Industrial Professional Institute, located in the province of Coclé, Panama (n = 9). Data were analyzed using a qualitative cluster-based approach, supported by discourse interpretation and textual excerpts from the interviews. The findings revealed limitations in the practical implementation of guidance practices within the personal–social dimension, along with a need to strengthen socio-emotional training among educational stakeholders. Additionally, the study identified the need to update the use of technological resources as support tools for guidance processes. Based on these findings, the integration of emotional intelligence as a formative axis is substantiated, and a teacher training seminar is proposed as an institutional strengthening strategy aligned with Panamanian educational regulations and aimed at improving guidance practices in the evaluated institutions.

Development of skills in the promotion of tourist resources for the establishment of sustainable strategies

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Given the importance of the City of the Tree in the university environment as a lung in the sector and that benefits the entire community, the project is presented: Development of Competencies in the Promotion of Tourism Resources for the establishment of Sustainable Strategies. It was designed with the objective of strengthening in students the competencies for the elaboration, design and application of enriching and dynamic projects oriented towards Natural Heritage, and the development of Nature Tourism. For this, it was necessary to start with an investigation and analysis of the inputs, human and institutional resources, to develop activities and experiences of tourism benefit. The methodology used was based on an exploratory type of research, reflected in a mixed approach, which began with visit and observation in situ. The results of observation, interviews and the application of the survey are presented, which allowed to know the interest and availability of students and teachers regarding the substantial contributions that contribute to integrative projects, or seedbeds that can continue contributing to the benefit of the tourism promotion of the area, through graphic design, marketing and dissemination of tourist projects. It is concluded that the project Medicinal Trail in the City of the Tree, is aimed at contributing to environmental education and ecological practices through tourist activities with students, while contributing to sustainable development, through tours, hiking, as well as educational activities. Likewise, the formulation of graphic signage, promotional material, maps of the trail route, and convincing through graphic promotion among the main actors is proposed: university community and the community, contributing to ecology and environment, and to Natural Heritage that requires immediate actions due to the urgent need to counteract environmental deterioration.

Socioeconomic Factors and Perception of the Cost of Healthy Eating in the Santiago District

Reyna del Carmen Cruz Barría, Angel de Jesús Pinto Peñalba — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the cost of healthy eating and the influence of socioeconomic factors on this perception among the adult population of the Santiago district, Panama. A quantitative methodology with a non-experimental cross-sectional design was used, administering a structured survey to a representative sample of 383 people, selected through stratified random sampling by district. The results revealed that 92.1% of the population does not perceive a price advantage in healthy foods, considering them more expensive or the same price as unhealthy alternatives, and 51% have stopped buying them due to their price in the last six months. Although 64.5% reject the idea that eating healthy is a luxury, only 23.5% consume these foods daily. Physical access is also a barrier, with 45.9% reporting low accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables. Household incomes are mostly low (84.3% earn ?$1000 per month), and a significant portion of the budget is allocated to food. The most supported policies to mitigate the problem were mobile markets (64%), producer subsidies (59.8%), and free nutrition education (57.2%). The conclusion is that the perceived barrier is multifactorial (economic, logistical, and cultural), requiring integrated interventions that go beyond information campaigns and facilitate tangible and affordable access to nutritious food.

Implementation of innovative marketing methodologies for first-year students in the Marketing Degree Program at CRUSAM

Irma Zuniga, Paul Pedreira — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This research proposes the implementation of innovative marketing methodologies in the teaching of first-year students at the Regional University Center of San Miguelito (CRUSAM), with the aim of improving the motivation, significant learning, and professional preparation of future marketers. The study is based on the recognition that marketing is a discipline in constant evolution, so traditional methodologies are insufficient to respond to the demands of the current labor market. The lack of innovation in teaching methods generates disinterest, low development of practical skills and reduced employability among graduates. The research proposes a pedagogical model based on techniques such as project-based learning, gamification, and experiential learning, which seek to strengthen competencies such as creativity, innovation, critical thinking and teamwork. A quasi-experimental design will be used that will compare a control group (traditional teaching) and an experimental group (innovative teaching), evaluating the results through questionnaires, interviews, observation, and academic tests.The expected results aim to demonstrate that innovative methodologies increase motivation, improve academic performance and favor the acquisition of skills applicable to the professional environment, thus contributing to raise the educational quality and employability of CRUSAM students.

Analysis of the contribution of mangrove ecosystems to climate change adaptation and mitigation through their function as carbon sinks

Carlos Antonio Villarreal, Pedro Argon Araúz Leones — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Climate change is a global problem that represents a serious threat to the human pation. The anthropogenic activities carned out by the desire to satisfy economic needs her consciously or unconsciously have caused the release of greenhouse gases (GHG) among which carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (NO2) which have caused a substantial increase in the average temperature of the planet. It is estimated that by 2030 Central America will still produce less than 0.5% of the world's emissions of greenhouse gases but at the same time it is already one of the region's most vulnerable to the onslaught of climate change Emphasizing some aspects of the spatial variability of climate change across national territory and especially in areas close to mangroves we can observe that temperatures play an important role in the hydrodynamics of these ecosystems, considering this vital parameter in the physiological activities of plants so abrupt variations would have repercussions on the ecophysiology of mangroves The human being as such has in his hands part of the responsibility of dealing with climate change Among the tasks that make man a force of action in the face of climate change we can mention the investigations that are carried out every day, the environmental teaching that seeks to create awareness in those people that causes negative repercussions to the environment, laws and regulations that are enshrined in favor of environmental rights. mitigation measures, land use planning plans, studies of environmental impacts and relevant conservation measures.

Human resources effectiveness and efficiency for hotel management and operations 2024 – 2025

Yamilka Guerrero, Adriana I. Murillo, Verónica E. Tejedor V., Jorge Martínez — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of human resources in a hotel environment, covering both administrative and operational aspects. A survey was conducted among hotel employees to measure their satisfaction and perceptions in various key areas of human resource management. The goal is to efficiently respond to the needs of the hotel sector, with regard to the recruitment of human talent based on their competencies as the main focus. The methodology used is a descriptive-explanatory quantitative approach and is framed within a non-experimental design. The study population, a selected sample, is based on all 56 hotel employees in Panama. Non-probability convenience sampling was chosen to maximize accessibility and obtain information representative of the target population. Analysis of the surveys highlights that 69.6% responded that training is sufficient. This is an encouraging indicator that hotels are investing in training programs. Likewise, 64.2% of the results indicate that performance evaluations maximize their effectiveness and help improve and develop professionally within the hotel industry. In conclusion, a largely positive outlook is reflected in terms of the effectiveness and efficiency of human resources. Employee satisfaction with current practices and conditions predominates: the hiring process is highly valued, the work environment and internal communication are perceived as healthy, and there is a clear sense of support from supervisors and managers.

The findings underscore the critical importance of the specialized academic training provided by the University of Panama in developing the competent and committed human talent required by the national tourism sector, highlighting the university's role as an engine of economic competitiveness.

A look at forgiveness and promise in Hannah Arendt's the human condition

Julie Pauline Sáenz Pinzón — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This article offers a philosophical and political reflection on the concepts of forgiveness and promise, understood as the only paths that allow victims and perpetrators to coexist and confront the aftermath of irreparable acts within the realm of human affairs. Drawing from Hannah Arendt’s The Human Condition, forgiveness is interpreted as the action that redeems human beings from the irreversibility of their deeds, while promise is seen as the mechanism that mitigates the consequences of action, providing stability within the plurality of public life.